Usually I write about interesting food and drink
finds around the 904, but last weekend I had the opportunity to head to DC,
spend some time with great friends and experience a few new finds in the nation's capital.Always on the lookout for really great and interesting local brews, we found ourselves near the Naval Yard and a very cool brewery and tavern appropriately named Blue Jacket. This DC hotspot is unique in that it not only serves some of the most innovative craft brews but also is housed in a fantastic, truly historic industrial circa 1919 building that was once the Boilermaker Shops, part of the Navy Yard ship and munitions complex.
The space is, of course, what strikes upon entering Blue Jacket. It is a massive warehouse
with exposed steel beams, industrial décor and floor to ceiling windows letting
in more natural light than you can possibly imagine. In a word – awesome. The Arsenal, Blue Jacket's restaurant,
had a rather long wait, so our party of three opted for the tavern area occupied by an eclectic group enjoying beer, food and watching football oblivious to the massive vats of beer surrounded them. 
Sunday being brunch day, the menu featured a variety of items to please both the breakfast lovers or those interested in lunch. We were there mainly for the beer but opted
to sample a few smaller dishes. Our server had some challenges with questions we psed about the food but she was quick to offer beer and water. When food finally arrived, it came in waves and not exactly piping hot. But what
it lacked in speedy delivery and temperature it certainly made up for in taste. The biscuits smothered in Tasso gravy
were savory with just the right amount of spice, pepper and smoky flavors to
remind one of Louisiana. The Home Fries were nicely sautéed with red and green peppers and the Arsenal fries were perfectly crispy and salty. I have to admit that my side salad was a bit confusing consisting of a bowl of mixed greens, tomatoes and red onion. It had
little to no dressing and although as satisfying as greens can be, I expected a
little more to it. 
Blue Jacket's draft menu did not disappoint with several varieties and flavors
to choose from. I was curious about a
few of the brews and opted for tastes, smaller pours for a smaller price, of
three different beers. I began with the Figure 8 cask Ale – a full-bodied,
malt-driven ale brewed with 30lbs of dried figs, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg
and bourbon soaked oak chips. It was smooth and delightful but the small taste
was about all I could handle. Thirsting
for something a little lighter, our server suggested the Seersucker, which was
definitely effervescent, juicy and zippy (as the menu promised) with wheaty sweet
flavor and quite refreshing. My one observation was that the tastings came in
what seemed to be tuliped wine glasses – an odd choice for craft beer or cask
ales.
The other guests, and more advanced beer aficionados in my
party, opted for full pints of the Cut & Dry, a classic Bohemian pilsner
with a Blue Jacket twist; Mexican
Radio, a mole-inspired imperial stout; and the Redhead, a hoppy red ale with hints
of cocoa and toffee. Both agreed that
each was satisfying to the taste buds and unique enough to come back for other
signature Blue Jacket brews.
Blue Jacket brewery and tavern at the Naval Ship Yards in
Washington, DC. – a must for specialty beer, pretty good food, atmosphere and a
little history.
Blue Jacket
Brewery and Tavern
300 Tingey St, SE
Washington, DC 20003
(202) 524-4862
The Arsenal
Lunch Dinner Sunday Brunch
